[dAng! E90]

Can anyone give me some good advice. I have read all I can read about Spec Clutches and ACT Clutches. I just need a little insight from some people who actually have one or the other. Any input will be appreciated!!!

[bigdnno98]

I have a spec stage 3+ w/LW flywheel. I love the clutch but hate the flywheel. It is pretty loud and obnoxious. If I had to do it over again I would go spec stage 3+ with oem flywheel.

[Eric335]

OP, im using stock clutch/fw, but im in the market for a new clutch as well. Im interested in the responses you will get.

Here is what Spec offers, for reference:



The top row is with their lightweight fw. I will be going with the stock FW when i upgrade. This chart gives you Specs ratings on torque capacity for each.



Also, ive heard great things about ACT clutches. Anyone have experience?

[BoostedE90]

Here is a good thread on aftermarket clutches: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=645181

[Laid Black 335i]

I just had my Spec Stage 2 (NOT 2+) installed on Saturday and have about 150 miles on it so far so I've been taking it easy and shifting constantly. I'm running this clutch with the OEM dual mass flywheel, which is what Spec's website recommends anyway.

Engagement point is "slightly" lower than stock but not much. I haven't decided if I'm going to remove the BMS clutch stop. But so far everything is good and feels like a stock car. Spec makes quality clutches. FWIW, I got mine from Jeff@TopGearSolutions at a cheaper price than what's listed above.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Pick a clutch based on your power goals. We've been quite a lot more Spec clutches in comparison to ACT as of recently.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

Pick a clutch based on your power goals. We've been quite a lot more Spec clutches in comparison to ACT as of recently.

What do you recommend? Those are the two clutches i am considering.

Whats a rough estimate of max torque on a FBO (no meth/e85) n54?

[farb]

Originally Posted by Eric335

What do you recommend? Those are the two clutches i am considering.

Whats a rough estimate of max torque on a FBO (no meth/e85) n54?

max torque on a 335i you can achieve with FBO (no meth/e85/upgraded turbos) is about 430 at wheels. For 335xi is a bit less than that.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by farb

max torque on a 335i you can achieve with FBO (no meth/e85/upgraded turbos) is about 430 at wheels. For 335xi is a bit less than that.

Thanks

[cstavaru]

If you don't do drag racing, the ACT Street is a cheap and very well mannered clutch (drives like stock, but with a firmer pedal). I would use this clutch if I would only do highway pulls. But for drag racing the pressure plate springs are not very strong and soften when abused.

[DanielGonz]

Not down for Spec clutches. In the last platform I had (3000GT VR4), Spec clutches were throwing springs right out from the clutch disc left and right. Everyone avoided Spec clutches like the plague. That said, everyone ran to the ACT clutches, hell I did too. ACT will the clutch of choice when it comes time.

[Rotary Rasp]

Originally Posted by farb

max torque on a 335i you can achieve with FBO (no meth/e85/upgraded turbos) is about 430 at wheels. For 335xi is a bit less than that.

Keep in mind that if you add a little e85 you'll be at 500wtq

[Zebra99]

Originally Posted by Laid Black 335i

I just had my Spec Stage 2 (NOT 2+) installed on Saturday and have about 150 miles on it so far so I've been taking it easy and shifting constantly. I'm running this clutch with the OEM dual mass flywheel, which is what Spec's website recommends anyway.

Engagement point is "slightly" lower than stock but not much. I haven't decided if I'm going to remove the BMS clutch stop. But so far everything is good and feels like a stock car. Spec makes quality clutches. FWIW, I got mine from Jeff@TopGearSolutions at a cheaper price than what's listed above.

I thought you couldn't run the DMFW with the spec clutches; at least I thought that wouldn't work out.

I'm strictly looking at power capacity though....not fitment issues. That being said, can our stock DMFW handle 500whp/trq in conjunction with the Spec stg 2+ for example.

[E92murdered]

Originally Posted by Zebra99

I thought you couldn't run the DMFW with the spec clutches; at least I thought that wouldn't work out.

I'm strictly looking at power capacity though....not fitment issues. That being said, can our stock DMFW handle 500whp/trq in conjunction with the Spec stg 2+ for example.

Yes you can run with oem dmfw you just need to get the model without the -2 for example

[ar design]

We've sold a TON of ACT Street discs to a lot of happy customers. No issues/complaints so far.

[abhishriv]

i've heard the HPF feramic clutches are good and they feel almost exactly like stock, more $$ compared to the other options though

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Eric335

What do you recommend? Those are the two clutches i am considering.

Whats a rough estimate of max torque on a FBO (no meth/e85) n54?

Typical FBO car can get away with the ACT clutch. For those with meth or seeking upgraded turbo's down the road they might want to look into a stage 2 or 2+ from spec.

Don't forget their is also clutch masters fx100 or 300.

I can't talk from personal experience on those clutches with this platform so I usually judge by what people are using on the platform and their experiences but you need to take into consideration the driving habits of the person, and who did the install. I've seen cases where bad installs, or abusive drivers can mislead people into thinking one clutch is bad, when it might not have been the clutches fault.

However, all clutch companies do have incidents where they may be defective although that is rare.

The most popular is probably the ACT clutch, it's also the cheapest option, but there are some complaints about a low pedal feel, which some people might not mind.

The spec in the stage 2 and 2+ is very drivable and has a little bit more capacity in the torque rating. Shiv is one of those people I go to as he's had the stage 2+ on his car for 40,000 miles on his single turbo car!

We all know his car gets some abuse so that does say something about the performance capability, the abuse it can take, and how long it can last.

But like I said previously pick a clutch based on your power goals (torque) and listen to what other people are running, why, how the drive the car, and who installed the clutch. Take any advice on forums with a grain of salt.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

Typical FBO car can get away with the ACT clutch. For those with meth or seeking upgraded turbo's down the road they might want to look into a stage 2 or 2+ from spec.

Don't forget their is also clutch masters fx100 or 300.

I can't talk from personal experience on those clutches with this platform so I usually judge by what people are using on the platform and their experiences but you need to take into consideration the driving habits of the person, and who did the install. I've seen cases where bad installs, or abusive drivers can mislead people into thinking one clutch is bad, when it might not have been the clutches fault.

However, all clutch companies do have incidents where they may be defective although that is rare.

The most popular is probably the ACT clutch, it's also the cheapest option, but there are some complaints about a low pedal feel, which some people might not mind.

The spec in the stage 2 and 2+ is very drivable and has a little bit more capacity in the torque rating. Shiv is one of those people I go to as he's had the stage 2+ on his car for 40,000 miles on his single turbo car!

We all know his car gets some abuse so that does say something about the performance capability, the abuse it can take, and how long it can last.

But like I said previously pick a clutch based on your power goals (torque) and listen to what other people are running, why, how the drive the car, and who installed the clutch. Take any advice on forums with a grain of salt.

Thanks for the very detailed response. This reply has helped me choose, and i hope it helps others as well!

[drm916]

Originally Posted by Laid Black 335i

I just had my Spec Stage 2 (NOT 2+) installed on Saturday and have about 150 miles on it so far so I've been taking it easy and shifting constantly. I'm running this clutch with the OEM dual mass flywheel, which is what Spec's website recommends anyway.

Engagement point is "slightly" lower than stock but not much. I haven't decided if I'm going to remove the BMS clutch stop. But so far everything is good and feels like a stock car. Spec makes quality clutches. FWIW, I got mine from Jeff@TopGearSolutions at a cheaper price than what's listed above.

So your stage 2 feels similar to stock? How is the engagement? Is it harsh or smooth? I am back and forth between 2 and 2+

[Laid Black 335i]

Originally Posted by drm916

So your stage 2 feels similar to stock? How is the engagement? Is it harsh or smooth? I am back and forth between 2 and 2+

I've officially got over 500 miles on this clutch now. The engagement is very smooth and there is not much of a difference in feel in comparison to my stock clutch set up.

IMO the Stage 2+ is overkill. A bunch of the Single Turbo cars that are running tons of power are using the 2+. The 2 would be fine if you are still on stock turbos.